PRE-MEDICAL

Program Preparation

Begin preparing for your college pre-med program already in high school.

Enroll in college preparatory courses, taking as much science and math as is available. Advanced algebra, trigonometry, and geometry should be taken before calculus, and you will need to earn high grades in these classes.

Be cautious about taking AP courses in chemistry, biology, physics, or math. All medical schools require college-level courses in these areas, but some medical schools will not accept AP credit for these requirements.

Develop and practice the best study skills and time management habits you can.

Volunteer in a setting where you help people in need. Volunteering in a medical setting is ideal, but any activity that demonstrates a genuine commitment to helping people in need is valuable. It is more important to do something that you enjoy, are passionate about, and can make a long-term commitment to doing, than to get involved in some aspect of medicine.

Become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Certified Nurses Aide (CNA). EMTs are clinicians that provide first response emergency care, often as part of an ambulance squad. CNAs provide very basic services for patients in completing daily tasks, usually in a nursing home or hospital setting. Many community colleges offer training courses in these two fields. There are opportunities to practice in both of these fields part time while a student at Dordt College.